{"id":3261,"date":"2023-07-26T12:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T16:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digitaltransport4africa.org\/?p=3261"},"modified":"2023-07-26T12:07:22","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T16:07:22","slug":"electrifying-south-africas-minibus-taxi-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitaltransport4africa.org\/fr\/electrifying-south-africas-minibus-taxi-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Electrifying South Africa\u2019s Minibus Taxi Industry: A Data-Driven Approach"},"content":{"rendered":"

Minibus taxis, pictured above waiting at Bergzicht taxi rank, are the\u00a0only functioning public transport system<\/a>\u00a0in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Photo: GoMetro
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

[vc_row full_width=\u00a0\u00bbstretch_row_content_no_spaces\u00a0\u00bb content_placement=\u00a0\u00bbtop\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column][vc_cta h2=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb color=\u00a0\u00bbpurple\u00a0\u00bb]* Original version of this article is available here<\/a>.<\/strong> [\/vc_cta]<\/p>\n

The\u00a0minibus taxi (MBT) industry is the backbone of South Africa\u2019s public transportation<\/a>\u00a0system with a fleet of approximately 250,000 vehicles, operated by thousands of providers, employing some 600,000 drivers. MBTs account for\u00a080% of all journeys<\/a>\u00a0taken by taxi in the country. Yet despite its prominence, the industry has yet to see any major attempts at decarbonization.<\/p>\n

The lack of progress on transitioning the MBT industry to electric vehicles (EVs) can be attributed to a number of factors, including its size and the number of owners. But lack of reliable data on MBTs is another important factor. Without accurate data, conducting feasibility studies on the EV transition, which could show owners the path forward, is a daunting task. This is further compounded by lack of government intervention and incentives, and lack of access to proper private sector funding.<\/p>\n

To bridge this data gap,\u00a0GoMetro<\/a>\u00a0collaborated with WRI\u2019s\u00a0Digital Transport for Africa<\/a>\u00a0(DT4A) initiative and the Municipality of Stellenbosch on a comprehensive data collection program from taxis operating to and from Bergzicht taxi rank. The program consisted of two main initiatives: installing onboard diagnostic devices for 50 MBTs for a period of 14 days to collect crucial insights on operational aspects such as range, dwell times, trip duration and frequency, and utilizing GoMetro\u2019s mobile phone application, GoMetro Pro, to collect additional trip data including passenger counts and demographics.<\/p>\n

\"\"On-board data collection using GoMetro Pro, a mobile application designed for collecting data on informal paratransit systems in Africa. Photo: GoMetro<\/em><\/p>\n

Assessing Feasibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Overall, the study provided evidence that electric MBTs (e-MBTs) are not only feasible but could be highly beneficial for Stellenbosch. Data from the study indicates savings of up to $12,500 ZAR per month of fuel costs are possible as well as safer and more reliable transportation for women and children and improved health and wellbeing of commuters.<\/p>\n

Specifically, we found that 86% of tracked MBTs could complete their daily operations on a single charge of an e-MBT. Overall, e-MBTs are compatible with 98% of all the trips undertaken. MBTs already spend an average of 1.5 hours stationary at a taxi rank consecutively, which is also sufficient charging time if charge-ups are needed. MBTs spend an average of 4.5 hours total at the Bergzicht taxi rank.<\/p>\n

Typically, MBTs consume up to 20 liters of fuel per day, and each e-MBT has the potential to save 760,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually. Finally, 67% of MBT passengers surveyed were female, emphasizing the importance of decarbonizing this mode to improve health of women in Stellenbosch.<\/p>\n

\"\"With the support of WRI and DT4A, GoMetro collected valuable data on current MBT operations, providing insights into the feasibility of transitioning to e-MBTs. Photo: GoMetro<\/em><\/p>\n

Through this project, GoMetro and DT4A aim to pave the way for a more sustainable future in South African cities, and elsewhere such informal transport networks provide the bulk of service to residents. By harnessing the power of reliable data and exploring the feasibility of e-MBTs, we aspire to bring the EV revolution to paratransit systems around the world. Where the availability of data is scarcest, the public sector drive for decarbonization is lowest and the need to improve commuter health is vital.<\/p>\n

Remaining Barriers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the study\u2019s findings were positive, the road to collecting accurate data was not without its challenges. The data collection process encountered several obstacles that required the GoMetro team to think on our feet and find appropriate solutions. Challenges included:<\/p>\n